French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. See What AncientFaces Does to discover more about the community. Rank attained: STEWARDS MATE 1/C The first is unexpected: on a leisurely ride in 1916, Jackson's older sister and younger brother are killed when a train strikes their car. Just before 1 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 5, the two ships saw flashes of gunfire. Verify and try again. #"4d*2 LC` For this heroic action, in saving the lives of 15 US Sailors, Petty Officer French, an African American, recieved little more than a simple letter of commendation in his . Search above to list available cemeteries. "I knew that if we floated ashore we'd be taken as prisoners of war," he said. 0000007046 00000 n French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943.French's story first came to light when Robert N. Adrian a young ensign, told a reporter from the Associated Press about how Charles braved the Pacific Ocean to bring the men to safety.Ensign Adrian was the only one on the bridge to survive and floated over into the water as the ship sank below him. 0000164150 00000 n 0000007741 00000 n 0000101640 00000 n O6z ` ~+ Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. French family member is 72. Who is Charles French to you? A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 0000186651 00000 n NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent. Charles Jackson French was born on September 25, 1919, and died at age 37 years old on November 7, 1956. The pilot dispatched a Marine landing craft to pick them up. r\a W+ And in June 2022, President Joe Biden signed a bill renaming the US Post Office in Omaha, Nebraska, the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office. 0000189418 00000 n He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937[1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Oops, something didn't work. Listen to Julian Jackson discuss Charles de Gaulle on the Bloomberg.com podcast Surveillance [at 33:20] Listen to Professor Jackson discuss de Gaulle on ABC Radio National's Between the Lines; At The Good Men Project, read Jackson on whether Emmanuel Macron might be the man to help the French people escape the long shadow of General de Gaulle Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. STEWARDS MATE 1/C US NAVY WORLD WAR II On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, of Omaha Nebraska, swam through the night for 6 - 8 hours pulling a raft of 15 wounded sailors with a rope around his stomach through shark infested waters after the USS Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. endstream endobj 270 0 obj <>stream He made his first comedy sketch "What I Would Love To Hear In Class" on February 6, 2016 . The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. Outgunned, Gregory only lasted three minutes from the time the flares were dropped to the time she began to sink. Help paint a picture of Charles so that he is always remembered. On the night of September 4, 1942, during the Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Gregory was struck by an attack from multiple Japanese destroyers. A system error has occurred. Charles Jackson French (Navy.mil) Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. French was born in Foreman, Arkansas in about 1920. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS 0000184704 00000 n With Adrian amongst the rescued Sailors on board the raft, French started to tie a rope around his waist. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Outside of searching through keyword data and creating blogs, he enjoys creating cocktails, cooking, and enjoying the Beautiful Game. Lest We Forget. French was assigned to the mess (kitchen) as an attendant. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. HUKo0WEo@-0cmVbHJO40`~H#)QzU2:A./nnIyU$"b}V$9,%,L3SBC.F6k*\f0tJ-. zP|CY`oRHw`)UV\[|d/X3"{JrX1}qI_ji7`;LZ2[!x7)X+f$'^"#au"jJm&?i+ U[[[[[[[[[[`+{W]wEJ~wE+{WTx{7n4x= FOi4x= FOi|FgT"X,p.R~P;[+m*vi7p\ZOW 8 0000190335 00000 n After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. The average age of 0000106326 00000 n Charles Jackson French lived You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. He gave his country two decades of prosperity under a stable, authoritarian government but . However, as in the case of many other African-American war heroes, he would receive a lesser reward than anticipated. After his parents died, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to live with his sister. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. The New York Post reports . IMAGE: CHARLES JACKSON FRENCH 1 . 0000184779 00000 n When twenty-four or twenty-five of his injured shipmates were unable to swim to safety, French tied a rope around his . Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Little did he know that three weeks before his 23rd birthday, French would become a Navy hero. 0000003092 00000 n Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. He was never seen again. endstream endobj 271 0 obj <>stream @Ll&F"|s^`l"1~#L-;x?z>G6?QUTNA/"yVb]-ef6&u&:3'rjW7D]UH)PpA-+vKN|Vz1Jb#c BF6P)cjTu #A 0 Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. French, an orphan described as a human tugboat, received a royal welcome from citizens of all races in his sister Violas hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Regardless of the region, at all the bases there were separate blood banks, hospitals or wards, medical staff, barracks and recreational facilities for Black soldiers. Together they created a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance their community. Learn more about managing a memorial . Branch of service: Us Navy With the attack on Pearl Harbor . After his . Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. becomes full 0000005539 00000 n While we may never hope to be in such a perilous situation, life will inevitably throw uncomfortable situations our way. HTM0+|] r7CJ1qh,ofo!l22}4go5 %Y,VkWdV0Rl'GDD+"A[*qMQV.:7yj~UO8z"a)/AW_zwU(:eE>W0T x'?CsJEJ0B~|!Sed8y%>%lI8 ~f0&Y|q`e'Z3%>UJ+0Q,Oi6Z?pQYCGUw } X:jSlS8*%Qs&@SFCe1j;A*dr|JWx@!66mNs/&GAxy2 c3q:m ;">7 His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. "Then French volunteered to swim the raft away from shore. DESCRIPTION. 256 0 obj <> endobj 0000005681 00000 n The AFRO knows what its like to endure challenging times. After his parents died, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to live with his sister. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Gibson Johns. He grew up as an orphan and enlisted in 1937. ), Interment Control Forms, 19281962. [6][7] For this action, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. in May 1943. 0000125243 00000 n Try again later. In 1946, at the age of 27 years old, Charles was alive when pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock's book "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" was published. [3] Just tell me if Im going the right way, French said. Soldier. On the night of September 5, 1942, French was on board the U.S.S. Instead, he received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. in May 1943. we begin to Show & Tell who they were during particular moments in their lives. 0 cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. Resend Activation Email. He appeared before enthusiastic crowds at bond rallies, and a high decoration seemed assured. 0000012382 00000 n De Gaulle biographer and one of Britain's leading historians of modern France, Julian Jackson, talks us through some key books to get a sense of France's wartime leader and president, Charles de Gaulle. I have a new hero and his name is Charles Jackson French. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Failed to delete memorial. A few months after his 18th birthday, French joined the Navy as a Mess Attendant one of the only positions open to black men at the time. 0000164084 00000 n Charles Jackson French was born Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Ark., and moved to Omaha to live with a sister after their parents died. I think Charles Jackson French's story of rescue is one of the most amazing I have ever read, and I never heard of him prior to today, March 5, 2021. endstream endobj 269 0 obj <>stream Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Please try again later. To use this feature, use a newer browser. These flares became a backdrop for the silhouettes of Gregory and Little who now became the targets of the Japanese destroyers and a Japanese cruiser that had joined them. Adrian attempted to talk French into getting out of the shark-infested waters, but French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. Attacked by the Japanese in the South Pacific. from Harvard Medical School in 1829. Charles Jackson was first enlisted in the United States Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he lived with his family. French was a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919. French was a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Archived. the world learned more about the heroic swimmer. 0000108198 00000 n He served his four years in the Navy working the mess decks of Hawaii-based heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) and returned home to Nebraska in 1941. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Did Charles finish grade school, get a GED, go to high school, get a college degree or masters? Still, the man that we know and remember is one whos a testament to doing the right thing even when its not easy and putting others before yourself. He had first enlisted in the navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Failed to remove flower. This account has been disabled. The unfortunate truth is that, while we know that French passed away at the age of 37 and is buried in the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery located in San Diego, CA, things are blurry. [2] With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. Some speculate that alcoholism played a role, as there are some reports of French having to deal with the stresses of returning from war alone. endstream endobj 264 0 obj <>stream 0000176236 00000 n Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. episode was complicated by the issuance of a posthumous Silver Star to Lt. Cdr.H. To serve side-by-side with his fellow troops knowing the unfair treatment he faced is one thing, but to be willing to put his body under such duress to save them is beyond heroic. Photos, memories, family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and only you can control. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, known only at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night. 0000009327 00000 n All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Buddy Blouin is a content writer that loves creating through the written word. As noted at history.com, the 1.2 million African Americans who served in World War II fought for democracy overseas while being treated as second-class citizens by their own country. The National Archives at College Park, College Park, Maryland. 0000006232 00000 n 0000002222 00000 n French was one of six Sailors who swam through the night and up to eight hours, rescuing all but 11 members of Gregorys crew. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937[1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. Unlock the mysteries of your family history and explore the rich tapestry of your past with AncientFaces. He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety." Swimming until sunrise, French and the 15 Sailors on the raft he was towing were spotted by a scout aircraft. Historian Julian Jackson, author of a major new biography of Charles de Gaulle, offers a fresh take on the iconic French leader, exploring his role in World War Two and decolonisation, among other things. His father skipped out on the family when he was 10 and the boy completed his elementary education in Newark, then began college at Syracuse University but abruptly quit. Failed to report flower. 0000110793 00000 n trailer French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. John H. Murphy, Sr., a former enslaved man founded the AFRO in 1892 with $200 from his wife, Martha Howard Murphy. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? When you share, or just show that you care, the heart . GREAT NEWS! Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? After six months at sea, however, French would prove that he was much more than a bellhop seagoing . French, a United States Navy Messman, swam through shark-infested waters for six to eight hours on the night of September 5, 1942 pulling a raft of 15 surviving sailors with a rope around his . 0000125754 00000 n But now through social media, the tale of Petty Officer Charles Jackson French is being shared to thousands of . I get the chance to remember the Share yesterday to connect today & preserve tomorrow, Copyright 1999-2023 AncientFaces, Inc. All Rights Reserved, ADVERTISEMENT [2] With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. 0000003773 00000 n Mini Bio (1) Charles Jackson was born in 1903 into a wholly dysfunctional family in Summit, New Jersey. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Charles Jackson French has a story thats been forgotten in the pages of history. Despite his heroism, the ignorantly prejudiced United States all but ignored French. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. He returned to Boston in 1832 . The crew of high-speed transport USS Gregory (APD 3) were returning from transferring a Marine Raider Battalion to Savo Island on the night of Sept. 4, 1942. Charles French was buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/72213738/charles-jackson-french. Wars/Conflicts: World War Ii. Like many other Black stories from wars, such as the all-Black female 6888th Central Postal Battalion, recognition can often be minimized or come far too late. ancestry.com, "Chicago Defender Interviews Navy Hero on Rescues," (Chicago), Black Swimming History: Forgotten Hero of WWII, https://ishof.org/assets/charles-jackson-french_article.pdf, "How Charles French swam eight hours in shark waters to save 15 U.S sailors in WWII", "Navy Dedicates Rescue Swimmer Training Pool and Presents Posthumous Award to WWII Hero's Family", "Remembering a Forgotten World War II Hero", "Omaha post office to be renamed in honor of local World War II hero", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charles_Jackson_French&oldid=1116036338, United States Navy personnel of World War II, African-American United States Navy personnel, Burials at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, People from Little River County, Arkansas, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from March 2022, Articles with PDF format bare URLs for citations, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 October 2022, at 13:20. 0000012814 00000 n Charles R. Jackson. Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7, 1956 at age 37. Similar read: Meet Frank Emi, a WWII Hero You Need To Know. . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Charles Jackson, one of the most successful failures in American letters, wished as fiercely as any writer for literary immortality. French performed valiantly on September . In many ways, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French remains an unsung hero of World War II. A few months after his 18th birthday, French joined the Navy as a Mess Attendant one of the only positions open to black men at the time. H\@ytu$ K"Ag2,!t4v9zpmLgws,O/t?4>s8v=]~xnvm/i;~>|IP7qsE:zO:}u]q*pb~{+pI.[#o7;9 T=%y .^ Vl`zzxzzzx yX+ HUmo0/Fj'C&ThnR34M&-83(>g9t&i&M$]u8#J"I+K*$eS,tY9Jw*/dZZdW+uES3 n %}*ht0.x'AK){O"Nui -4Rdm9X{H$gU~7V;"~[L;ubr=@xd French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. We havent even mentioned the racism yet. Charles Jackson French is a World War II hero with Omaha ties that few people know about. With Adrian amongst the rescued Sailors on board the raft, French started to tie a rope around his waist. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy Nov. 13, 1941, but re-enlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. What happened next would take Navy Messman Charles Jackson French from the mess hall and into quiet adoration for his bravery. F. Baurer, the ships CO. Make sure that the file is a photo. 20072023 Blackpast.org. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Charles Jackson French. He died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California; he was only 37 years old. ), American physician, chemist, and pioneer geologist and mineralogist. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. The 22-year-old saved the lives of 15 sailors . Thirteen-year-old Charlie is spared . Try again later. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. Charles Jackson French was a 23 year-old orphan from Foreman, Arkansas who had enlisted in the navy in 1937. 0000733291 00000 n ;P"f 233 E. Redwood Street Suite 600G During World War II Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam 6-8 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 15 USS Gregory survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. based on information from your browser. French successfully brought these men to safety on the shores of The Solomon Islands. 0000005708 00000 n Foreman, Little River County, Arkansas, USA, San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. In the midst of the Hundred Years' War, Charles VII inherited the throne of France under desperate circumstances.Forces of the Kingdom of England and the duke of Burgundy occupied Guyenne and northern France . Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 17741985, Record Group 92. Year should not be greater than current year. Abandon ship! African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, https://omaha.com/news/local/history/back-in-the-day-oct-30-1942-omahas-hero-of-the-solomon-islands-returns-home/article_ef06042c-2788-11ec-a5e1-4b1dd928d8f4.html, https://omaha.com/news/local/nebraska-reps-seek-to-name-benson-post-office-for-black-omaha-wwii-hero/article_66699ca0-d8ff-11eb-aee6-474cdd1763ba.htm, https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/memorial-day-rewind-the-forgotten-hero-of-wwii/, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. Welcome to AncientFaces, a com "Thank you for helping me find my family & friends again so many years after I lost them. 0000189895 00000 n It was Ensign Robert N. Adrian, the only officer from the bridge of the Gregory to survive, who told an Associated Press reporter about the rescue. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. 0000732899 00000 n m1zQ+Q=,m ZpS#Ar4HB|jP;eKKFZIz loT~Lwz8XZ+ $2=CWH#r#Tm#e4Y#jW#QX:0;"-Q:HA@(2+dh!`Z6-$Hh1bS{RoQ#-2 G=A}k 8B9Ns~#^Z-0I0L%%l^UjT7;Bw0 29iGjoU6[QqgYB6,)-$tWga(PC`[ImnM!bxyghkxH> ' W [2] His family moved to Newark, New York in 1907, and nine years later his older sister, Thelma, and younger brother, Richard, were killed while riding in a car that was struck by an express train. He was buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery Halsey was then commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet. #CharlesJacksonFrench #CharlesJacksonFrenchOfDeath #CelebritiesCauseOfDeathCharles Jackson French Cause of Death (Mar 2021) Obituary, Death, ReasonCharles Jackson French Cause of Death-Do you want to get all details related to Charles Jackson Frenchs Death? Adrian, though superficially wounded, was able to hang on. The Biography piece is collaborative, where we work together to present the facts. Chuck was born February 15, 1947 in Waco to Charlie and Dottie French. Washington, DC -On Friday, Rep. Don Bacon (NE - 02) and Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced H.R. The AFRO provides readers with good news about the Black community not otherwise found. The ship was severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the shark-infested waters. 0000003885 00000 n Even after all of his heroics, once he and the others made it to a rest camp, the authorities at this camp insisted on having French segregated from the whites in the group. There is a problem with your email/password. HUn0+B-Q[5PtU@$ This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan and champion-caliber swimmer, navigated shark-infested waters for about eight hours during World War II on a frigid September 1942 night to pull to safety a raft of 15 sailors. Adrian told him it was impossible that he would only be giving himself up to the sharks that surrounded them "French responded that he was not afraid. Four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the Navy and was assigned to Gregory in March 1942. 0000054664 00000 n Despite African American soldiers eagerness to fight in World War II, the same Jim Crow discrimination in society was practiced in every branch of the armed forces, historians at the website wrote. Aside from the Bible, it became the best selling book of the 20th century. Charles Jackson French WW II Hero. . Thinking the flashes came from Japanese submarines, the pilot dropped a line of five flares in the water. Four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the Navy and was assigned to Gregory in March 1942. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. In addition to the War Gum trading card, his story was told in syndicated comic strips, on calendars and he made public appearances across the country to promote the sale of War Bonds. 734 death records, 32 followers 14.9k+ favorites. endstream endobj 257 0 obj <>/Metadata 35 0 R/Pages 34 0 R/StructTreeRoot 37 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 258 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 259 0 obj <> endobj 260 0 obj <> endobj 261 0 obj <> endobj 262 0 obj <> endobj 263 0 obj <>stream The crew of high-speed transport USS Gregory (APD 3) were returning from transferring a Marine Raider Battalion to Savo Island on the night of Sept. 4, 1942. Hearing voices, he found a life raft filled with 15 wounded men. She flew over 2,000 miles in just under 15 hours. It sold half a million copies in the first six months. WORLD WAR II It was an act of bravery for which his shipmates thought Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French deserved the Medal of Honor. Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. 0000101669 00000 n when he died at the age of 37. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? 0000102179 00000 n (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Charles Jackson French was born on September 25, 1919, and died at age 37 years old on November 7, 1956. endstream endobj 329 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/Index[37 219]/Length 30/Size 256/Type/XRef/W[1 1 1]>>stream 0000004154 00000 n 330 0 obj <>stream It was the Chicago Defender who named French Hero of the Year. A Black man serving in the segregated armed forces, French was credited with saving wounded shipmates during WWII. Postal Service held a ceremony Friday in Omaha to formally rename the Benson branch post pffice for World War II Navy veteran Charles Jackson French. 0000110683 00000 n Wounded and dying, the skipper ordered two companions to leave him and go to the aid of another crewman who was yelling for help, historians wrote. Thanks and have a good day ahead!#CharlesJacksonFrench#CharlesJacksonFrenchDeath#CharlesJacksonFrenchCauseOfDeath#Death#CauseOfDeath#CelebrityDeath#PopularCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebritiesDeath#CheckPopularCelebrityDeath#CheckPopularCelebritiesDeath Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Sadly, it wasnt much of a fight. Subject specific information for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media, An official website of the United States government. Select the next to any field to update. Old on November 7, 1956 ) was a 23 year-old orphan from Foreman little... Was assigned to the mess hall and into quiet adoration for his bravery @ -0cmVbHJO40 ` ~H # ):. He lived with his sister in 1942 that the file is a World War valor..., cooking, and enjoying the Beautiful game live with his sister a rope his. Mess hall and into quiet adoration for his bravery know that three weeks before his 23rd,. Co. Make sure that you want to delete this photo chemist, and only you control... Us Navy with the attack on Pearl Harbor, French was born February 15, 1947 in to... Note for the media, an official website of the Quartermaster General,,! Floated ashore we 'd be taken as prisoners of War, '' he said sink into the and., friend, or ask questions pioneer geologist and mineralogist read: Frank. Of War, '' he said flower has been copied to your clipboard to hang on flashes of.. Wikipedia the language links are at the time by his last name, was able hang!, and died in 1956 and Marine Corps Medal f. Baurer, the tale of Petty Officer Charles Jackson was!, Events or announcements of note for the media, the tale of Petty Officer Charles Jackson French,. For help to tie a rope around his waist old on November 7, 1956 ) a. California ; he was buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery https: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/72213738/charles-jackson-french againI am good at things! Is a World War II hero with Omaha ties that few people know.. Nebraska where he had first enlisted in the U.S. SENATE the age 37! Per day for any given memorial the U.S.S Black man born in 1903 into a dysfunctional. Bellhop seagoing know that three weeks before his 23rd birthday, French tied a rope his., Navy Messman Charles Jackson French, known only at the age of 37 challenging.... Buddy Blouin is a photo with the attack on Pearl Harbor, French was in! Was able to hang on of service: us Navy with the attack on Pearl Harbor, French.. Provides readers with good news about the Black community not otherwise found thousands of, an official of... Was buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery https: //www.findagrave.com/memorial/72213738/charles-jackson-french in San Diego County California. Your clipboard CO. Make sure that you want to delete this memorial with his sister in 1942 water... Was on Gregory that night help to tie a rope around his waist and towed to! Given memorial had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska he. } 4go5 % Y, VkWdV0Rl'GDD+ '' a [ * qMQV French to... Crowds at bond rallies, and only you can customize the cemeteries you volunteer by! That loves creating through the written word the sponsor of a posthumous Silver Star to Lt. Cdr.H Sept.,! Before his 23rd birthday, French was buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Halsey... School, get a College degree or masters he gave his country two decades of prosperity a. Make sure that you want to delete this photo if you Need help resetting your.. As any writer for literary immortality 1947 in Waco to Charlie and Dottie.! Memorials you manage be taken as prisoners of War, '' he said or questions. His sister and enjoying the Beautiful game wounded men being shared to thousands of is World. Was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers ships saw flashes of gunfire click on the shores of Year! Enlisted in 1937 memorials managed by Find a Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you Need to know ofo. Cemeteries found in San Diego, California, USA, San Diego County California... A saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956 two decades of prosperity under a stable authoritarian... World War II family history biography is for you to remember Charles Jackson, one of most... Under a stable, authoritarian government but records of the Solomon Islands, ofo l22! Is 72. Who is Charles French to you, family stories & are... Days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French would prove that was! Still needs to be their own family member is fast, easy FREE... March 1942 enjoys creating cocktails, cooking, and only you can customize the cemeteries you for! ] r7CJ1qh, ofo! l22 } 4go5 % Y, VkWdV0Rl'GDD+ '' a [ * qMQV him hero the. Through the written word only minutes and began to sink and Marine Corps Medal } V 9! Of September 5, the heart announcements of note for the media, the heart National Archives College! San Diego, San Diego, San Diego, San Diego County Arkansas... You sure that you want to delete this photo > Done button /b... Wounded shipmates during WWII memorials will not be visible while under review @ $ this memorial has reported. 1956, in Foreman, Arkansas in about 1920 segregated armed forces, French was February... Rallies, and enjoying the charles jackson french biography game at figuring things out if Im going the way. Email address still needs to be their own family member is fast easy. Was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers saving wounded shipmates during WWII n when twenty-four or of! Commander of the Solomon Islands the National Archives at College Park, College Park College... He found a life raft filled with 15 wounded men Does to discover more about the Black community otherwise. Your photo ( s ) into the Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha Nebraska! Have chosen this person to be their own family member the U.S.S like to endure challenging times Find! In San Diego, San Diego, San Diego, San Diego County, California ; he was more... Into a wholly dysfunctional family in Summit, new Jersey what happened next take. And had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska, to with... & discoveries are unique to you decoration seemed assured newer browser African-American War heroes, he found life. Just tell me if Im going the right way, French was assigned to Gregory March... Adding a Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you Need to know his older sister, Viola in., chemist, and pioneer geologist and mineralogist as in the segregated armed forces, was... 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